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Tatler Asia
7 days ago
- General
- Tatler Asia
Page-turners and photo ops: the most stunning public libraries across Asia
2. Tianjin Binhai Library (Tianjin, China) Often nicknamed 'The Eye,' this futuristic space in Tianjin has become something of an internet celebrity. Its central sphere and undulating bookshelves are eye-catching, but not all the books on display are real. Still, the 33,700-square-metre space functions as a public library, complete with reading areas, study rooms and community facilities that locals actively use. 3. Starfield Library (Seoul, South Korea) Located inside the COEX Mall, the Starfield Library isn't your typical municipal library—but it's still open to the public and serves as a cultural reading lounge. Its towering 13-metre-high bookshelves and curated collection of over 50,000 titles make it a visually stunning, if unconventional, example of what public libraries can look like in commercial settings. 4. Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch (Beitou, Taiwan) This award-winning eco-library in Beitou Park is built mostly of wood and steel and integrates solar panels and a rainwater collection system. The building's design respects its surrounding environment and shows how public libraries can play a role in sustainable urban development. Inside, it's airy and light-filled—perfect for an afternoon of quiet reading. 5. Musashino Art University Library (Tokyo, Japan) Designed by Sou Fujimoto, this minimalist architectural marvel lets its books form the structure. The building is constructed almost entirely from bookshelves, and while it primarily serves university students, limited public access is allowed during open events. It reimagines how public libraries can prioritise aesthetics without sacrificing function. 6. Neilson Hays Library (Bangkok, Thailand) One of Bangkok's oldest and most beloved cultural institutions, the Neilson Hays Library was completed in 1922 and designed by Italian architect Mario Tamagno, also responsible for some of the city's grand colonial buildings. The neoclassical structure features a domed rotunda, arched colonnades and teakwood accents that recall an earlier era of civic elegance. Despite its compact size, the library remains active, hosting readings, art exhibitions and community events. Among public libraries in Asia, it stands out not for scale but for historical continuity and architectural charm. 7. Seoul Outdoor Library (Seoul, South Korea) Rather than a building, the Seoul Outdoor Library is a public reading initiative that transforms open urban spaces into accessible libraries. Set up in locations like Seoul Plaza, Gwanghwamun Square and along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, this 'buildingless library' uses mobile kiosks, outdoor bookshelves and shaded seating to bring books directly to the public. Launched by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, it's an experiment in civic design that reframes how public libraries function—less as fixed spaces and more as flexible, participatory environments. 8. Kuala Lumpur Library (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) Steps from Merdeka Square, this public library is housed in a restored colonial-era building and offers a blend of historic charm and modern convenience. The library provides free public access to digital and print resources and often hosts cultural events and author talks. It's part of a broader initiative to reinvigorate civic institutions in the capital. 9. Jinling Library (Nanjing, China) Completed in 2009 and located near Xuanwu Lake, Jinling Library is a striking example of contemporary civic architecture in Nanjing. The building's facade blends jade green glass with pale grey stone cladding, creating a clean, geometric presence that echoes the material tones of nearby civic structures. The use of glass invites natural light deep into the reading rooms, while its angular silhouette conveys modernity without overwhelming the historic context. Adjacent to the main site is the newly opened Jinling Diamond Art Pavilion, a dramatic twisting form clad in over 139,000 ceramic bricks in a gradient of copper-brown tones—a clear nod to the nearby Ming-era city walls. Together, the two structures present a dialogue between tradition and innovation, reaffirming the role of public libraries as both cultural anchors and architectural statements. 10. Urban VAC Library (Hanoi, Vietnam) Set within a villa garden in Hà Đông District, the VAC Library by Farming Architects (completed in 2018) is an open‑air pavilion offering an inventive blend of mini‑ecosystem and reading nook. Its modular wooden grid structure forms a climbable frame that doubles as book cubbies, plant beds and seating—children can literally climb through the space. Above, solar panels power a small-scale aquaponic farm: koi carp in the pond feed the plants, while chickens contribute fertiliser from their coop. The result is part jungle gym, part sustainable classroom and part public library, evangelising hands‑on learning, community and ecological awareness in a truly porous, contextual form. From high-tech icons to green architecture, Asia's public libraries reflect a growing investment in cultural infrastructure. More than places to borrow books, they are living spaces where communities gather, learn and take a breath from the speed of the modern world. Whether you're a designer, researcher or just someone looking for a quiet corner, these public libraries are worth seeking out.
Japan Times
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Times
The future is bright inside the visionary mind of architect Sou Fujimoto
In Sou Fujimoto's architecture, the future is bright and airy — much like his structures. It's a wholly utopian vision. From his almost entirely glass House NA in Tokyo to his transparent roof and white steel lattice design for the Serpentine Gallery's pavilion in London, and, most recently, his wooden Grand Ring for Expo 2025, the architect has long been preoccupied with openness and freedom. 'Each and every person is a corner that hides away, but also leaves one side for openness,' he says. Fujimoto, 53, grew up in the rural town of Higashikagura, Hokkaido, where he often played in the woods, feeling 'surrounded but protected, not restricted.' After moving to Tokyo for university, he recalls being struck by the similarities between natural and built environments. Unlike the artificial grids of Asahikawa and Sapporo, Tokyo's winding roads reminded him of the forest paths of his childhood. The shōtengai (shopping streets), rows of wooden houses and the haphazardly placed potted plants in front of them, utility poles and train tracks — what he calls 'a streetscape formed of tasteful clutter' — created a dense, layered environment in which 'you can walk anywhere freely, like in a forest.' The image of a growing forest serves as both muse and leitmotif in Fujimoto's largest exhibition to date, 'The Architecture of Sou Fujimoto: Primordial Future Forest,' on view at Mori Art Museum in Minato Ward through Nov. 9. Fujimoto and the team at Mori Art Museum wanted to create an exhibition that's more than simply displaying drawings and models. | ZORIA PETKOSKA The exhibition presents a thicket of projects spanning three decades, divided into eight sections — five of which include the word 'forest.' The first, titled 'Forest of Thoughts,' features more than 1,000 architectural models, some handmade by Fujimoto himself. The works are arranged not only on stands but emerge from the walls and sway from the ceiling using transparent strands. 'We've done many architecture exhibitions at Mori Art Museum,' says museum director Mami Kataoka, 'but we wanted to do something different than just displaying models and drawings.' 'I conceptualized this exhibition from scratch,' Fujimoto adds. 'In fact, I was working on the layout until yesterday. It was very difficult, but I am grateful for the challenge.' Winding through the 'Forest of Thoughts' section, the experience evokes the feeling of stepping inside the architect's mind. The inspiration for Fujimoto's building designs is made tangible through items such as a loofah, potato chips, a stack of matchboxes and a scrunched metal sieve — juxtaposed with the models of buildings that have since materialized, including the Shiroiya Hotel in Gunma Prefecture and the House of Music Hungary in Budapest. Fujimoto has also drawn a map of circles in three colors for this room, classifying his work into three categories: 'open boundaries,' 'amorphous' and 'many many many,' which he sees as the core tenets of his architectural philosophy. The diagram, with the categories overlapping, resembles a forest bursting with foliage. Fujimoto designed the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion in London in 2013. He was the youngest architect at the time to design the annual temporary structure. | Iwan Baan In the next section, 'Forest of Tracks — Chronology,' Fujimoto and architectural historian Shunsuke Kurakata — a collaborator on the exhibition — present a timeline tracing Fujimoto's career. It is interwoven with key projects by other prominent Japanese architects, as well as milestones in architectural history and global society. 'I see this and I realize I have been working hard, haven't I?' Fujimoto says, reflecting on the display. The exhibition includes contributions from other collaborators, too. In 'Book Lounge of Awai (In-Between),' curated by book specialist Haba Yoshitaka, 40 titles that resonate with Fujimoto's work are placed in small wooden chairs that were inspired by church furniture. Visitors are invited to sit down and read if the mood strikes them. "This lounge is a space that exists between reading and not reading,' Yoshitaka writes in a statement. 'It is a space for gently rethinking the contours of the act of reading.' Placed in the only room in the exhibition with a view of Tokyo's sprawling skyline, this section is also an invitation to gaze out the window and read the very cityscape that Fujimoto likens to a forest. Architecture for humans Fujimoto's work is created with people in mind. He recalls designing his father's psychiatric clinic and discussing the needs of the patients who would use the space. His father believed that conventional hospital architecture was too uniform, failing to account for the diverse needs of individual patients. Imagining human activity is standard in architecture, and throughout the exhibition there is an abundance of tiny human figurines in all models (and even on the potato chips and loofah) to give a sense of scale. One section, 'Animated Forest,' is entirely dedicated to larger scale models that serve as canvases for video projections of crowds moving across. It shares the space with 'Open Circle,' which consists of drawings and a 1:5 scale model of the Grand Ring you can walk through, becoming the human figure, albeit out of scale. 'You'll probably feel like a giant,' says curator Kenichi Kondo. The 1:5 scale model of the Grand Ring at the Expo is constructed so visitors can walk through it. | ZORIA PETKOSKA In addition to more than a 1,000 architectural models, the exhibition contains two large-scale models, one of the Grand Ring for the Osaka Expo 2025 and one for a memorial and concert hall in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, that's currently under construction and slated to be completed in 2031. | ZORIA PETKOSKA 'The Grand Ring is big, but the pillars are open and you are free to move underneath,' Fujimoto says. The project, which has earned a Guinness World Record as the largest wooden architectural structure on Earth — offers shelter inside and a view from the top, where flowers have been planted. Freedom is a recurring element in Fujimoto's work. The Grand Ring model shows figures sitting on the ground, running around and pausing to enjoy the space. He's not trying to micromanage chaos, believing instead in 'loose order amid the confusion,' a lesson he traces back to his childhood experiences playing in the woods. In Fujimoto's philosophy, we should be able to adjust our space depending on our needs at different times. In L'Arbre Blanc (The White Tree) mixed-use residential tower, one of his biggest projects in France, he positioned balconies asymmetrically so residents could see one another, and incorporated public spaces into the building's design. For him, architecture must provide privacy and shelter, but it must also leave room for connection. 'There is something to be said about shared experiences — something essential to human society,' Fujimoto says in a video that's part of the exhibition. 'If architecture can create spaces like that, then it's doing its job.' Future cities Although 'Primordial Future Forest' surveys the architect's career to date, it doesn't dwell too much on the past. On the contrary, it looks forward, justifying the 'future forest' in its title. 'Forest of Thoughts' includes ongoing projects such as Tokyo's Torch Tower, which, upon completion in 2028, is set to become Japan's tallest skyscraper. The penultimate section, 'A Forest / Many Forests,' is dedicated to another major project currently under construction: the International Center Station Northern Area Complex in Sendai. This multipurpose complex will serve as both a memorial to the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 and a concert hall. The model, constructed in 1:15 scale, is lifted off the ground so it can be viewed from all sides. The seating areas are broken apart and hanging in the air, but without barriers and in the same hall, listening to the same music, which embodies Fujimoto's philosophy of coming together for a moment of connection. "Diverse and unified is the thinking of this project, too," Fujimoto says. The exhibition visualizes inspiration for design by juxtaposing the architectural models with mundane objects such as a sieve, a loofa and a stack of matchboxes or potato chips. | ZORIA PETKOSKA Architectural models are displayed in both expected and unexpected ways, with some hanging from the ceiling or stuck to the walls. | ZORIA PETKOSKA While these buildings are set for completion in the near future — the Sendai building is set to be completed in 2031 — the exhibition ventures further into speculative territory. Titled 'Forest of Future, Forest of Primordial — Resonant City 2025,' it presents a vision of a floating city composed of latticed spheres. Developed in collaboration with Hiroaki Miyata, data scientist and university professor, the model imagines a world of personal drones that would eliminate the need for elevators and stairs. To produce the intricate 3D-printed model, Kondo says the team needed to purchase 20 3D printers. "The models in the first room were in the air, too,' adds Miyata with a laugh. 'I think Fujimoto—san wants to float and fly! This is not an answer, but a question for the future." Fujimoto later adds that this design is 'a trigger to keep imagining.' The future, however, is never disconnected from the past. When asked what he thinks about the neglect and loss of Metabolist architecture in Japan, Fujimoto maintains that its ideas remain vital to architects' thinking. '(Ideas) of organic design and sustainability come from there,' he says before gesturing to his Resonant City 2025 model. 'In fact, I think this is something like updated Metabolism." It's a continuation of his signature style — airy structures with organic shapes that don't fight surrounding nature, but don't completely blend in, either. There's room for bold design, innovation and experimentation. In Fujimoto's utopian architecture, we can have it all: the forest and the metropolis, the public and the private. 'With the rise of computers and the internet, I started to wonder what would happen to physicality,' he says. 'The conclusion I reached was that it would likely grow in importance.' 'The Architecture of Sou Fujimoto: Primordial Future Forest,' is on view at Mori Art Museum through Nov. 9. For more information, visit
Metropolis Japan
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metropolis Japan
The Architecture of Sou Fujimoto at Mori Art Museum
With offices in Tokyo, Paris, and Shenzhen, Sou Fujimoto (born 1971 in Hokkaido, Japan) is engaged in projects all over the world, ranging from private homes to universities, retail premises, hotels, and multi-purpose complexes. Since his high-profile debut with The Aomori Museum of Art Design Competition Proposal in 2000, he has completed a series of celebrated projects, including the Musashino Art University Museum & Library (2010, Tokyo) and the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2013 (London), and recently the housing complex L'Arbre Blanc (The White Tree, 2019, Montpellier, France) and the music-focused cultural complex House of Music Hungary (2021, Budapest). One of Japan's leading architects at the center of public attention, he was appointed as the Site Design Producer for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. This exhibition is the first major survey of Fujimoto's work. It provides a comprehensive overview in eight sections, covering everything from work in his early years to projects currently underway, and following his architectural journey over the past around thirty years, the features of his architecture, and the philosophy behind it. It takes advantage of the venue's expertise as a contemporary art museum, allowing anyone, not just people involved in architecture, to physically experience the essence of Fujimoto's oeuvre by including exhibits such as installations and large-scale models that provide a spatial experience, as well as a mock-up. These complementary conventional exhibits like scale models, plans, and photos of completed projects. The exhibition also reviews the role and potential of architecture through Fujimoto's vision of the future city. Today, due to the continually changing relationships between people and their lives influenced by technological developments, architecture and cities are being called on to play a bigger role than before, including consideration for connecting the environment and the function of fragmented communities. We welcome visitors to join us as we take Fujimoto's practice as the context for considering how architecture could change our lives in times like these. Admission [Weekdays] Adults 2,300 yen (2,100 yen) Students (University/Highschool) 1,400 yen (1,300 yen) Children (Jr. High Students and under) Free Seniors (Ages 65 and over) 2,000 yen (1,800 yen) [Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays] Adults 2,500 yen (2,300 yen) Students (University/Highschool) 1,500 yen (1,400 yen) Children (Jr. High Students and under) Free Seniors (Ages 65 and over) 2,200 yen (2,000 yen) Hours *10:00-22:00 * 10:00-17:00 on Tuesdays * Open until 22:00 on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. * Open until 17:00 on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. * Admission until 30 minutes before closing.
CNA
07-06-2025
- CNA
Plan your Osaka Expo 2025 visit: 14 must-see pavilions, things to do and top tips
If you are headed to Osaka soon, you'll want to add visiting Expo 2025 to your itinerary. World Expos are large-scale international events held every five years in a different country, bringing together nations to showcase innovations, culture, and ideas on a global stage. Expo 2025 – officially titled Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan – is the latest edition of this historic series, running until Oct 13, with the theme 'Designing Future Society for Our Lives'. With over 160 countries, regions and international organisations showcasing their latest technologies and unique cultures in specially designed pavilions, think of Expo 2025 as the place to not only find inspiration for your next travel destination but to see what the future might hold, under one roof. Or in this case, under the Grand Ring, the architectural centerpiece and symbol of Expo 2025. THE GRAND RING: A HOT SPOT FOR PHOTOS AND STAYING COOL Visible from the air when flying into Osaka (sit on the left side of the plane), the Grand Ring, designed by famed Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, represents global connection and unity among diverse cultures and nations. The ring is about 30m wide and 20m high on the outside, and built from 70 per cent Japanese cedar and cypress woods, and 30 per cent Scots pine, Measuring 675m in diameter, the Grand Ring holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest wooden architectural structure in the world, and is built using a fusion of modern construction methods and traditional Japanese nuki joints, where horizontal beams are slotted through vertical posts, a technique seen in temples and shrines. Besides being visually stunning, the Grand Ring serves as the main circulation route and also provides shelter from wind, rain and sunlight. In the evenings, head up to the Ring Skywalk, a 12m high elevated walkway that stretches 2km around the site, for a panoramic view of the Expo site and Osaka Bay, and to catch the sunset. PAVILIONS WORTH QUEUING FOR Expo 2025 Osaka is projected to attract approximately 28.2 million visitors according to a target set by the Japanese government and the Expo organisers, which averages out to about 150,000 visitors per day. With such a figure, crowds are to be expected, which means lots of waiting in line to enter the pavilions, sometimes for hours. Some pavilions require reservation, but even then, an entry spot is not guaranteed, which means unless you want to spend weeks visiting the Expo, you'll need to narrow down which pavilions to visit. I spent three days at the Expo and managed to cover some pavilions that I wanted to see, but also had no luck with others. Below are the ones I visited and would recommend. Top of the list is the Japan Pavilion, which embodies the concept of 'Between Lives,' focusing on the relay and cycle of life. Its architecture and exhibition design explore themes of circulation, sustainability, and the interconnectedness of people, nature, and society. The pavilion also incorporates a biogas plant that processes food waste from the Expo grounds. The Korea Pavilion explores what Korean society may look like in 2040, focusing on values that endure over time and the convergence of cultural heritage with technological innovation. A fun activity requires visitors to record their voices, which are then transformed by AI into orchestral music, accompanied by synchronised light shows. This interactive experience symbolises unity and the blending of individual contributions into a collective harmony. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion is designed as a contemporary 'village' that channels the spirit, textures, and urban fabric of traditional Saudi towns and cities. Visitors walk through winding alleyways and shaded courtyards. At the end of the tour, enjoy a cup of Saudi coffee that is infused with cardamom. The Baltic Pavilion doesn't boast any fancy architecture while featuring contributions from artists, entrepreneurs, and ordinary citizens of Latvia and Lithuania. There's also an exhibit of around 300 plant specimens from Baltic meadows, highlighting their uses for health and well-being. But what's more meaningful is the chance to plant a virtual tree, which will then be physically planted in the Baltic forests by professional foresters, demonstrating a tangible way Expo visitors can contribute to a greener future. The Blue Ocean Dome is dedicated to the theme of sustainable use and revitalisation of the world's oceans. It serves as both an architectural statement with its three domes each made from sustainable materials, such as bamboo and cardboard tubes, and an educational hub, aiming to inspire action on marine conservation and the reduction of plastic pollution. The Future City Pavilion requires a reservation, and do choose the one that also allows you access to the participatory theatre. The pavilion offers 15 immersive experiences simulating life in a sustainable, technologically advanced city. What's fun is visitors get to participate in creating their version of what the future may be like. The Osaka Healthcare Pavilion blends futuristic healthcare technology, interactive experiences, and the spirit of Osaka innovation. Visitors can glimpse their future selves, engage with next-generation medical advances, and explore the evolving relationship between humans, machines, and society. This is also where visitors can view the Human Washing Machine, an evolved version of the famous 1970 Osaka Expo machine, now using fine bubbles and sensors to cleanse both body and mind. PAVILIONS FOR ARCHITECTURAL BUFFS Expo 2025 also serves as a global stage for cutting-edge, experimental, and sustainable architecture, featuring bold designs from some of the world's most influential architects and studios. The best thing is you can appreciate the architecture without having to queue. Here are some standouts. Designed by French architecture firm Coldefy in collaboration with Italian studio CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati, the France Pavilion draws the visitor in. Striking features include the helical copper-clad staircase that brings visitors into the exhibition space, that also doubles as an elevated viewing platform and gathering space, and the 17m high fabric curtains that move with the wind and light, animating the facade. The Qatar Pavilion celebrates the country's deep connection to the sea, its maritime heritage, and its vision for sustainable innovation and global partnership. Designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates, the pavilion's form evokes a traditional Qatari dhow, a wooden sailing vessel, using a sweeping, scalloped timber structure draped in flowing white fabric, symbolising sails catching the breeze. The Poland Pavilion is eye-catching for its striking wooden structure shaped like a dynamic wave, symbolising the spread of Polish creativity and innovation. Designed by Alicja Kubicka and Borja Martínez of Interplay ArchitectsIts, the pavilion's organic form uses the traditional Japanese kigumi koho joinery technique, reflecting a dialogue between Polish and Japanese craftsmanship. The Singapore Pavilion is a 17m tall red sphere, inspired by our Little Red Dot nickname. Designed by DP Architects, the exterior is covered with over 17,000 recycled aluminum discs, referencing Japan's tradition of ema (votive tablets for wishes) and symbolising collective dreams and sustainability. It is hard not to be captivated by the null2 Pavilion (pronounced "nurunuru"), created by Japanese media artist Yoichi Ochiai. The pavilion's exterior is covered in a specially developed 'mirror membrane'. This reflective surface constantly ripples and distorts, creating an ever-changing landscape and inviting visitors to contemplate the relationship between self, others, and the environment On certain days, the Expo Hall is opened for theatrical performances and concerts. Designed by Toyo Ito & Associates, the structure is better known by its nickname, 'Shining Hat', because of the building's distinctive golden circular roof, which when seen from certain angles, appears to create a hole in the sky. HANDY TIPS WHEN VISITING Expo 2025 is located on the man-made island Yumeshima. There are two entrances to the site. The East gate has direct access to Yumeshima Station, and is connected to Osaka City via the Osaka Metro Chuo Line. The West gate has buses that run to major nearby stations. I find the metro the easiest way to get to and from Yumeshima. If you have not yet bought tickets to the Expo 2025 Osaka, you can do so here. Tickets cost from JPY6,000 (S$54). You will need to register for an Expo 2025 ID, before purchasing tickets. Arrive slightly before your designated entry time, so you don't have to queue too long to enter. But be prepared that it will take at least 30 minutes to enter. All bags are scanned and canned drinks are not allowed to be brought in. Screenshot your QR-coded tickets and have them ready to be scanned at the entry to the Expo 2025. You will also need to show the QR code to enter pavilions that require a reservation. Take advantage of the reservation and lottery application to enter the pavilions. Depending on how far ahead your visit is, there is the option for a two-month or seven-day advance lottery. You will be informed via email, if you have scored a reservation to the pavilion. If you're unable to get advanced reservations, try your luck again on the day of the visit, after passing through the entry gates. Download the Expo2025 Visitors app, which allows you to access your tickets, make reservations, and find pavilions. The only downside is you have to constantly log into the app. Bring a water bottle along, as there are numerous water coolers and bottle washing spots dotted across the venue. Make waiting in line a more experience by bringing along a foldable stool, and an umbrella, as you might have to queue in the sun. Expo 2025 is a cashless event. Collapse SHOPPING AND DINING When it comes to shopping, there is no shortage of items featuring the official mascot, Myaku-Myaku, a mysterious and shape-shifting creature, with a body made of red 'cells' and blue 'water,' symbolising life's pulse and the continuous flow of wisdom, technology, and culture through generations. There are Myaku-Myaku stuffed dolls, sunglasses, snacks, artworks and even face masks. These are readily available at the official stores on site. Some of the country pavilions also have their retail section, as well as several other stores selling souvenirs and snacks. Visitors will not go hungry at the Expo, which offers bountiful dining options. Several country pavilions have restaurants or cafes, offering visitors a sample of their cuisine. Keep an eye out for the separate queue to enter the restaurants and be prepared to wait in line. There are also food trucks and food courts, while popular Japanese chain restaurants, Sushiro and Kura, also have outlets on site. STAMP RALLY AND OTHER FUN STUFF TO DO Part of the fun of attending a World Expo is collecting stamps from the pavilions. Purchase a Stamp Passport at the official Expo 2025 and visit each pavilion to collect a stamp. A special bonus stamp is available and changes with each month. Get a selfie with the life-sized Gundam at the Gundam Next Future Pavilion. At 17m tall, the statue is displayed kneeling on one knee with its right arm raised high, symbolising reaching out to the universe and the future. The Japanese summer is harsh, and when you need to chill out, head to Ice Cool Spot, an innovative, eco-friendly rest area that uses solar-powered ice thermal storage, or to Foresting Architecture, pavilions which were created using state-of-the-art 3D printing technology with plant-based, biodegradable resin.
The Age
25-05-2025
- Business
- The Age
‘Landscrapers' and record breakers: 10 stunning new buildings set to open
It's rare a building creates a new word; in this case, the word is 'landscraper'. For sheer size alone, Google's new UK HQ earns a mention; at 330 metres long, the wedge-shaped Google site is longer than The Shard is tall. Located beside Kings Cross and St Pancras stations in central London, Copenhagen disruptors Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and Kings Cross locals Heatherwick Studio, looked to the railway stations and urban landscape for its design. On a human level, the zero-carbon behemoth's green roofs are planted with 250 trees and shrubs, with a running track and pool. Expo 2025, Osaka, Japan Osaka is currently a global hotbed of contemporary architecture with the opening of the latest world Expo on an artificial island on April 13. As more than150 country pavilions battle for the crowds' favour, the ring that binds them is Sou Fujimoto's Grand Ring. Built to the concept of Unity in Diversity, the world's largest wooden architectural structure – as declared by Guinness World Records – measures up to 20 metres high, with an outer diameter of 675 metres. Tapping into the increasing use of timber in public architecture, the cypress and cedar structure employs traditional Japanese techniques often found in temples, such as nuki timber joinery, and is crowned by a two-kilometre Skywalk. See Statement bridges The late Dame Zaha Hadid's legacy continues when her vision of the Danjiang Bridge in Taipei is completed at the end of this year. The 920-metre, cable-stayed bridge crosses the Tamsui River, and is entirely suspended on one single, concrete 211-metre mast, making it the world's longest single-mast, asymmetric cable-stayed bridge. Meanwhile, in south-west China Huajiang Canyon Bridge will be the world's tallest suspension bridge in this mountainous province already renowned for its record-breaking bridges. Taking design cues from San Francisco's Golden Gate, expect a stargazing bar reached by a glass elevator, a bungy-jump platform and an 800-metre glass walkway 400 metres above ground when it opens in June. See Maloca, Costa Rica As politicians argue whether there is a climate crisis, architecture practices such as Bali-based Ibuku continue quietly to create sustainable design from renewable materials, specifically bamboo. The designers of Bali's Green School, their latest project is a medicine temple, yoga and meditation space called Maloca at retreat centre Tierramor in Nosara, Costa Rica. 'Bamboo is a symbol of resilience and ecological harmony,' says the practice, which used local building traditions and low-impact techniques to create 'an organic extension of the landscape in perfect symbiosis with the natural world and the human body'. The dome is positioned to allow the play of sunlight and shadow, channel wind for optimal air circulation and frame panoramic views, says architect Adriel Frederick. See Vernacular airports Finally, airports' role as the gateways to a country see generic, grey temples of transport traded for unique, country-specific design. Foster + Partners' Techo International Airport in Phnom Penh takes its cues from Cambodia's distinct architecture and native flora, with 'trees' upholding its undulating roof that mimics the jungle canopy. Back in Australia, the bush flora of the Cumberland Plane and the Blue Mountains played a role in the design of Western Sydney International Airport, by Zaha Hadid Architects and Australia's Cox Architecture. The terminal's roof was inspired by the local eucalyptus tree, says the Cox team. Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention & Event Centre, Victoria Geelong's waterfront has long been a gathering place for the Wadawurrung People, and their language now names the city's newest gathering space. 'The name Nyaal Banyul encourages people to open their eyes to the hills of Wadawurrung Country, for these hills hold our stories,' says Corrina Eccles of the Wadawurrung, who engaged with the operators of the site for a shared vision for the venue. The complex includes a 200-room Crowne Plaza, a 1000-seat theatre, public plaza and event spaces when it opens in May 2026. The project is led by Australian architect firm Woods Bagot, whose most recent work in the travel sphere includes Melbourne's StandardX hotel and the interiors of The Ghan's new carriages. 'The centre will build on Geelong's legacy as a UNESCO City of Design,' says project design lead Bruno Mendes. See Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Los Angeles, US Less Death Star, more sinuous cloud, this five-storey, billion-dollar museum is founded by filmmaker George Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson. Ma Yansong of Beijing-based MAD Architects threw out the right angles when designing the organically-shaped, earthquake-ready museum. Clad in a shell of 1500 polymer tiles, it hovers over newly created parklands that were, before this project, parking lots. Set to open in 2026, it will also hold the Lucasfilm archive, which includes the inspiration for the Star Wars universe. See Aramco Stadium, al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia Loading As 2034 hosts of FIFA World Cup, the most-watched sporting event on the planet, Saudi Arabia need to bring their A-game to their stadiums. It plans a slew of new stadiums, including Aramco Stadium by sports venue specialists Populous. With significant input from the firm's Australian design team, the facade's spiralling, overlapping translucent sails were inspired by whirlpools that occur in the nearby Arabian Gulf, and direct natural light throughout the 47,000-seat venue. Populous, the firm behind the Sphere in Las Vegas is also working on a 92,000-seat stadium in Riyadh, a new home for top Italian team AS Roma and a new stand at Wales' STōK Cae Ras stadium, home of Wrexham FC, owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The Aramco Stadium opens in 2026, in time to host matches in the 2027 Asian Cup.
